Fasting...and...prayer (purification, disciples, Christ, bible)

[simpleton]

Originally Posted by Alpha8207

I think fasting and prayer are often neglected.

I think fasting in particular is conveniently avoided. I actually had a Sunday School teacher tell me one time that since Jesus died on the cross, fasting isn't necessary.

It made me think of the chapter in the gospels where Jesus was running down the "Now when you pray....Now when you give....Now when you fast" and I asked the guy "Since Jesus died, does that mean we don't give or pray?" to which he replied "No" and I said "Hmmm....cuz fasting's right there with those too."

I think it's sad how the church is failing to equip believers. We should pray for our churches and their leadership (or lack thereof).

That's kind of weird. I had heard someone state in another Forum though that the fasting the Jesus went through was a bit supernatural. Not sure how accurate this is. But I'd recommend for anyone with Health Issues not to do it, or limit it to a short amount of time. I think fasting can be very beneficial to people as far building up self control and what not. I may have to try doing one myself in the coming months. Biggest problem is finding the energy to do it without getting sick. I have a kid and I'm a single parent who works 9-5. I may try it on a weekend or something though. Thanks for the input.

[Alpha8207]

Originally Posted by simpleton

That's kind of weird. I had heard someone state in another Forum though that the fasting the Jesus went through was a bit supernatural. Not sure how accurate this is. But I'd recommend for anyone with Health Issues not to do it, or limit it to a short amount of time. I think fasting can be very beneficial to people as far building up self control and what not. I may have to try doing one myself in the coming months. Biggest problem is finding the energy to do it without getting sick. I have a kid and I'm a single parent who works 9-5. I may try it on a weekend or something though. Thanks for the input.

It's very hard and I've found the enemy will always make an excuse to not fast:

"I've got that meeting tonight"

"I can't exercise while fasting"

etc

Start slow and remember, it isn't just food you can fast from.

Caffeine, TV, internet, sugar, emotions.

One of the most difficult fasts I ever heard of was a 40 day fast from negativity.

At any rate, when you lean on Him for your strength, you realize you don't need whatever it is you're fasting from.

It's all about Jesus, ya know?

[simpleton]

Ya know funnily enough, I have kind of been fasting without really knowing it..I haven't really been eating in the mornings and waiting until nightime to eat any food. I might start doing that in more full affect over the next couple days or so. Thanks for the input.

[kaykay]

Originally Posted by Alpha8207

One of the most difficult fasts I ever heard of was a 40 day fast from negativity.

I think I fell "off the wagon" on my "complaint fast" about last week-end! I was calling it a complaint fast, but really it was what you said-a fast from negativity!

[Alpha8207]

Originally Posted by kaykay

I think I fell "off the wagon" on my "complaint fast" about last week-end! I was calling it a complaint fast, but really it was what you said-a fast from negativity!

I've got a teaching on CD somewhere about this and the teaching was amazing. Interestingly enough, the teacher said that of all the fasts he'd ever done, this was the most difficult but it was also the most glorifying to God and rewarding.

I've never even attempted it!

[kaykay]

Originally Posted by Alpha8207

I've got a teaching on CD somewhere about this and the teaching was amazing. Interestingly enough, the teacher said that of all the fasts he'd ever done, this was the most difficult but it was also the most glorifying to God and rewarding.

I've never even attempted it!

Well, even when I was "on the wagon" I was amazed at how often I would "fall off" or almost "fell off!" I was just amazed how often I gripe and complain about stuff!...especially to my poor dh!

[cg81]

Originally Posted by Alpha8207

I think fasting and prayer are often neglected.

I agree.. and by saying that, I'm not saying that I've fasted frequently. I've don't think I've ever really fasted (concerning food) for any significant length of time, tho I've sometimes tried to do without other things.

But I wonder, is it the spirit of fervently desiring God's will and direction that is the thing that's really missing? This fervent desire is what would cause us to at times fast and pray and diligently seek God's face. I need to check my devotion to God.

[kaykay]

Originally Posted by cg81

I agree.. and by saying that, I'm not saying that I've fasted frequently. I've don't think I've ever really fasted (concerning food) for any significant length of time, tho I've sometimes tried to do without other things.

But I wonder, is it the spirit of fervently desiring God's will and direction that is the thing that's really missing? This fervent desire is what would cause us to at times fast and pray and diligently seek God's face. I need to check my devotion to God.

Good questions. Frankly, while I believe there is a spiritual dynamic to prayer with fasting, I don't know that I've ever really understood it. I do believe that this is a spiritual discipline that should be part of our lives, but why is it so powerful? Maybe because it does cause us to get serious about seeking God's will and maybe His hand in an issue. Somehow I thinks there's more though.
Maybe we don't need to totally understand it but just do it!

[Huckleberry3911948]

re your church, never did a church fast. longest fast i ever did was 11 days.
fasting = not eating yes?
i recently did the kaiser permanente semi fast.

[simpleton]

Originally Posted by Bunky39

re your church, never did a church fast. longest fast i ever did was 11 days.
fasting = not eating yes?
i recently did the kaiser permanente semi fast.

Wow that's great. How did you feel after the fast? And what was your fluid intake?